The latest slow-burning masterpiece from Romania’s new wave, Tuesday, After Christmas takes the exacting style of 2009’s totalitarian-era critique 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days and effectively transplants it to a more intimate tale of modern infidelity. Tuesday is what adult movies should be, from its subtle, revealing dialogue to its powerfully alive performances. The film is also devastatingly truthful. Within its seemingly banal talk about holiday plans and dental care lies a vivid depiction of adultery and its painful repercussions.

This article first appeared in the May-June 2011 issue of Utne Reader.